Personality
Unhealthy rivalry between govs, deputies bad for Nigeria’s democracy, says Prof Sonni Tyodern
***Canvasses for clearly defined constitutional roles for the deputy govs
The crises of confidence between Governors and their Deputies have been described as an unhealthy development for the Nigerian Democratic development as being recently exhibited in Ondo and Edo States.
Speaking on Tuesday at a two day National Conference by the Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria (FFDGN) in a paper he presented with the theme,”Resilience, A Positive Mindset And Indefatigability As Essential Tools For The Deputy Governor” Professor Sonni Tyodern Ex-Deputy Governor, Plateau state and a former Vice Chancellor, University of Jos
said there is need for the provision of clearly defined constitutional roles and functions for the Deputy Governor independent of the Office of the Governor.
Professor Tyodeen said the issue of succession should be handled in more democratic and transparent manner, adding that once, aspirants are given a level playing field rather than being imposed, Deputy Governors are likely to cooperate and work with their Governors.
He said Governors should continually bear in mind, that they came into office on the same platform and on a joint ticket with their Deputies, they should therefore operate as such and take each other into confidence.
“I believe that the framers of our Constitution provided for the two offices; Governor and Deputy Governor because they believed that the two are relevant and necessary for the smooth running of our democracy.
“However, the extent to which the two are increasingly at each other jugular is an issue for serious concern, as they are becoming irritants to the smooth running of the Nigerian democracy.
“The source of the friction between the duo varies from case to case, but invariably, they revolve round the issue of succession and the politics of schedule of duties.
“As a newspaper editorial observed “very few governors assign their deputies supervisory roles over certain government ministries or agencies”, thus rendering them redundant and irrelevant.
“True, the constitution provides a basis of support for the office of the Deputy Governor by making a provision for its establishment (S. 186). Indeed, as $187 states even the nomination of a gubernatorial candidate is incomplete without an accompanying Deputy.
“However, there ends the constitutional relevance of the Office of the Deputy Governor as all other functions, responsibilities of significance to that office are dependent on the acts of omission or commission by the Governor.
“Thus, S.193(1) states, the Governor shall “in his discretion” assign responsibilities to the Deputy. Two, the Deputy Governor can act as Governor when the Governor is proceeding on vocation or is otherwise unable to discharge the functions of his office.
“In that situation, the Governor has to transmit “a written declaration to the Speaker to that effect” (S.190).
“Finally, the processes of impeachment of a Deputy Governor although mainly a House of Assembly matter, the reality is that it is the Governor that pulls the strings behind the scene particularly in determining what constitutes the critical issue “gross misconduct, for which the Deputy Governor is usually being charged.
“So much has been made about the issue of loyalty between the Governor and his Deputy to the extent that it is assumed that the decline in the loyalty of the Deputy to his Governor, is the bane of harmonious relationship between the two.
“The issue of loyalty needs to be put in context to be appreciated. More often than not, it is assessed within the context of succession plans, with a Deputy Governor who disagrees with his principal over the issue, particularly when he is interested in succeeding his principal is seen as a betrayer who has committed sacrilege and to that extent, disloyal to his boss. It is usually forgotten that the Deputy Governor is also a politician and entitled to his own political aspiration.
“From the above, it is clear that a Deputy Governor is only as relevant as a Governor wants him to be.”
Former Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections in Nigeria, Peter Obi has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Professor Humphrey Nwosu, former Chairman of the National Electoral Commission (NEC).
Obi described him as a “true democrat” and a pillar of Nigeria’s democratic history.
In a heartfelt statement, while writing on his X-Handle, Obi described Nwosu as an outstanding academic and a courageous defender of democratic principles, particularly during his tenure as NEC Chairman from 1989 to 1993.
Obi emphasized Prof. Nwosu’s pivotal role in organizing and upholding the 1993 presidential elections, a process widely regarded as one of the fairest in Nigeria’s history.
“For his role in that election, Prof. Nwosu’s name will remain indelible in the history of Nigerian democracy,” Obi said.
The former Anambra State governor however lamented the state of Nigeria’s current electoral process, noting that despite the resources and technology now available, the integrity and commitment to democracy exhibited by Nwosu under less favorable conditions have not been replicated.
Obi praised Nwosu for his adherence to truth and electoral transparency, contrasting it with the current challenges in Nigeria’s democratic system.
“Unlike today, when professors are sometimes procured to aid electoral malpractice, Prof. Nwosu applied the principles he taught as an erudite professor of Political Science, conducting an election that remains a benchmark for integrity,” Obi said.
Obi called for more leaders like Nwosu, who he described as willing to risk their lives for the sake of democracy.
He also prayed for God’s forgiveness for Nwosu’s shortcomings and for strength for his family and all those mourning him.
“May God Almighty grant Nigeria the likes of Professor Humphrey Nwosu in future elections,” Obi concluded, reaffirming his belief that a new and better Nigeria is possible.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has extended his heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Akwa Ibom State following the tragic death of Mrs. Patience Umo Eno, wife of Governor Umo Eno, who passed away on Thursday.
In his message, Governor Ododo expressed deep sorrow and noted the pivotal role Mrs. Umo Eno played in supporting her husband’s administration.
Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Ismaila Isah in a statement quoted him to have highlighted her dedication as a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, whose numerous charitable initiatives, particularly her work with women and the less privileged, made a lasting impact on the lives of many in Akwa Ibom.
Governor Ododo prayed for the peaceful repose of her soul and offered his deepest sympathies to the bereaved family, as well as the people of Akwa Ibom State, as they mourn this immense loss.
Mrs. Patience Umo Eno passed away at the age of 57 after a brief illness.
The prestigious International Accounting Bulletin (AIB) in its recent 2024 Country Survey of Accounting firms in Nigeria has rated GBC-Reanda as the 11th local Accounting firm in Nigeria.
In its previous year’s rating, the organization was ranked 16th. This year’s improved ranking is a demostration of GBC-Reanda’s steadfast dedication to providing outstanding services and exceeding client expectations.
Mrs Damilola Akindele ACA, Principal Manager, Mr Emmanuel Ogiaga FCA , Engagement Partner, Sir Gbenga Badejo FCA ,KJW Managing Partner and
Mrs Abimbola Alao ACA Manager, Audit&Assurance, GBC-Reanda International.
The ranking process started with the Bulletin’s invitation of Accounting firms in Nigeria to present their organizations and evidence of their compliance with best global practice in Accounting profession an assessment which was in conformity with IAB World Survey data.
According to the publication “We are delighted to share that your firm climbed up to rank 11th in Nigeria, according to the 2024 Nigeria Survey of IAB. Congratulations”
GBC, now GBC-Reanda International, was established in 1996 and has continued to provide qualitative value added services to its diverse, ever growing clientele in different sectors of the economy. The firm is endowed with highly competent and experienced professionals with a wide exposure to all aspects of Accounting, Financial Management and General Business Administration.
According to Managing Pattner of the firm, Sir Gbenga Badejo, FCA, KJW, “we are a composite one stop professional & consulting firm providing Professional Services, Business Consulting & Financial Advisory Services to clients in various sectors of the economy. The firm is principally driven by sound professional and business principles geared towards providing value added services through highly experienced and well-trained professionals.”
He revealed that in the firm’s over 28 years of existence, over 250 Accounting Professionals have been trained, who are all out in various Sectors to add value within the Consulting and Accounting chain of the Global economy.
Sir Gbenga Badejo sees a better future of impact and value in the organization’s continuous drive towards professional excellence.
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